May 20, 2011
My dog does seem to have a fairly strong prey drive, and I wonder if this is a negative behavior that needs to be corrected (like aggression).
Full Question:
Hi Cindy/Ed,First of all, let me say that your products are fantastic. We have purchased your quick release prong collar, the dominant dog collar, and three videos (establishing pack structure, dealing with dominant and aggressive dogs, and Basic Dog Obedience), and have read many of your e-articles on your web site. Zippy (a 12 1/2 pound neutered male Havanese) is now almost 11 months old now and is getting better and better with each passing day. We find your no-nonsense approach works.
I do have a question. Can you please explain where Prey Drive fits into the dominance & aggression behavior spectrum. I see that Zippy does seem to have a fairly strong prey drive, and I wonder if this is a negative behavior that needs to be corrected (like aggression), or if it's natural and neutral to be controlled by avoiding circumstances that would invoke his prey drive.
To use a specific example: he has a stuffed toy that looks like a furry fox. When he plays with it, he puts it in his mouth, shakes his head like crazy, growls and bites it and pulls the fur out. I'm thinking that we should NOT encourage this behavior, and should throw the toy out.
- Holli
Cindy's Answer:
Hi Holli,
Prey drive is something all dogs possess to some degree. It’s the reason they will chase a ball or a Frisbee or a rabbit. We like dogs with prey drive because we can use this to train our dogs, by using their prey item of choice as a reward. Many pet owners get into trouble with prey drive because when something stimulates a dog (like a rabbit or neighbor kid running by) all the obedience control they had over the dog in the backyard with no distractions goes out the window. You are doing the right thing by establishing rules and leadership, combined with structured obedience training. Dogs can have very high prey drive but low dominance or aggression OR low prey drive and high dominance or a blend of all of these traits. Every dog is an individual.
With all that said, what your dog is doing with this toy is normal play behavior but I don’t allow my dogs to have toys that they can tear apart. I feel that it encourages destructive behavior. Also remember that all toys are YOURS and you allow the dog to play with them on your terms. This is all part of pack leadership.
Cindy
Prey drive is something all dogs possess to some degree. It’s the reason they will chase a ball or a Frisbee or a rabbit. We like dogs with prey drive because we can use this to train our dogs, by using their prey item of choice as a reward. Many pet owners get into trouble with prey drive because when something stimulates a dog (like a rabbit or neighbor kid running by) all the obedience control they had over the dog in the backyard with no distractions goes out the window. You are doing the right thing by establishing rules and leadership, combined with structured obedience training. Dogs can have very high prey drive but low dominance or aggression OR low prey drive and high dominance or a blend of all of these traits. Every dog is an individual.
With all that said, what your dog is doing with this toy is normal play behavior but I don’t allow my dogs to have toys that they can tear apart. I feel that it encourages destructive behavior. Also remember that all toys are YOURS and you allow the dog to play with them on your terms. This is all part of pack leadership.
Cindy
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